Do you think children belong in their parents' college classes? How would you respond in a situation like this?

SSgt Alex Robinson — Thu, 24 Sep 2015 11:55:56 -0400

http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/professor-holds-child-for-single-mom-during-class/ar-AAeGNW5

Professor holds child for single mom during class

Professor Joel Bunkowske was in the middle of his lecture when a student's 2-year-old son stood up in the middle of class and walked towards him. 

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Sep 24 at 2015 11:58 AM

SCPO David Lockwood — Thu, 24 Sep 2015 11:58:42 -0400

I don't think so. They would disrupt the class and make it difficult for others to learn.

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 24 at 2015 12:00 PM

1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 24 Sep 2015 12:00:08 -0400

I would find this irritating.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Sep 24 at 2015 12:07 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Thu, 24 Sep 2015 12:07:19 -0400

I think I would have picked up the child as well SSgt Alex Robinson. A young toddler walking towards a figure of authority in a non-threatening way is a sign of trust. Some people can afford child-care while others can't. I find it refreshing that this professor welcomed the single mom and her child into the classroom. It seems that most others in this evening class agreed.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 24 at 2015 12:07 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 24 Sep 2015 12:07:57 -0400

I think as with most things that situation dictates what's acceptable. As long as the kid wasn't causing a distraction i.e. Running around or being loud that it would be fine. Good on the professor for showing compassion and understanding.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Sep 24 at 2015 12:09 PM

SrA Edward Vong — Thu, 24 Sep 2015 12:09:09 -0400

Online classes exists for a reason. For emergency situations, prior arrangements can be made with the professor.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 24 at 2015 12:22 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 24 Sep 2015 12:22:44 -0400

If the situation does not disrupt the class and take away from the learning environment, I could see this as a one time type event. Life does get in the way, but to distract and detract from others learning because you couldn't find a babysitter... this would not set well with me.

Response by SGT Scott Bell made Sep 24 at 2015 1:09 PM

SGT Scott Bell — Thu, 24 Sep 2015 13:09:53 -0400

No i do not

Response by SGT David T. made Sep 24 at 2015 1:16 PM

SGT David T. — Thu, 24 Sep 2015 13:16:01 -0400

I find young children far less annoying than some of the 18 year old students so I probably wouldn't have an issue with it.

Response by PO3 Steven Sherrill made Sep 24 at 2015 3:39 PM

PO3 Steven Sherrill — Thu, 24 Sep 2015 15:39:00 -0400

SSgt Alex Robinson The professor showed just how much he understands the environment that he is teaching in. This is a great story. To answer your question, I would say that depends on the situation. In a school traditional university setting where the majority is young, single, non parents I would say no, probably not a good idea to take a child into that environment. In a community college, I would say that it may not be a good idea depending on the class, time of day, and professor. In a non traditional school such as DeVry, ITT, University of Phoenix, etc... I would say that the school is designed for working people to obtain a degree. Single parents and parents without access to child care are going to be a significant part of that environment. In that case, unless it is a lab class where injury could occur, I don't see a problem with it.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 24 at 2015 3:54 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 24 Sep 2015 15:54:12 -0400

I guess it's relative to so many unknowns, all I can say is that it sounds like a good thing.

Response by PO3 Donald Murphy made Mar 3 at 2017 3:20 PM

PO3 Donald Murphy — Fri, 03 Mar 2017 15:20:34 -0500

No they don't belong. Mom needs to buy a laptop and stay at home like my daughter does.